American Government: The Articles of Confederation
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Questions and Answers

What was the primary limitation of the power of the federation under the Articles of Confederation?

  • It could not create and borrow money
  • It could not declare war
  • It could not raise taxes (correct)
  • It could not conduct diplomacy
  • What was the main argument of the anti-Federalists against the proposed Constitution?

  • It would establish a monarchy
  • It would undermine the rights of the people (correct)
  • It would lead to a strong centralized government
  • It would weaken the power of the states
  • What did Hamilton argue was the result of a weak government?

  • Liberty and security
  • A stronger federal system
  • A confederacy of independent states
  • Despotism and tyranny (correct)
  • What was the main point of the analogy drawn by Madison and Hamilton in paper 18?

    <p>The weakness of ancient Greece's federal system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the name given to the supporters of the Articles of Confederation?

    <p>Anti-Federalists</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary reason for the lack of strength and authority of the government under the Articles of Confederation?

    <p>It lacked a real center of gravity or executive power</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Hamilton's view of the relationship between government power and liberty?

    <p>A strong government is necessary to protect liberty</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the role of the Amphictyonic Council in ancient Greece?

    <p>It was a loose confederacy of republics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary concern of the Greek city-states in a confederate system?

    <p>The risk of being dominated by stronger states</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main advantage of a full and proper union, as opposed to a confederate system?

    <p>Weaker states would have equal rights and power</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Hamilton's main concern in the 'new science of government'?

    <p>The development of institutions to safeguard republics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Madison's main concern about smaller republics?

    <p>They were more vulnerable to being taken over by factions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the advantage of a very large republic, according to Madison?

    <p>It would be less vulnerable to factions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main cause of the Peloponnesian war, according to the text?

    <p>The dominance of stronger states over weaker ones</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the purpose of the mechanisms and institutions developed by Hamilton in the 'new science of government'?

    <p>To safeguard republics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main difference between a confederate system and a full and proper union, according to the text?

    <p>The distribution of power between states</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary concern of those who support strong central government?

    <p>Protection from violence and preserving property rights</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main criticism of the libertarians' stance on government?

    <p>They resist an overpowering, high-taxing, welfare statist government</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of revisiting The Federalist Papers, according to the author?

    <p>To be reminded of the benefits of strong unions and the costs of secession</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the underlying cause of the divide in American politics, according to the passage?

    <p>Disagreement over state rights and central government power</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the benefit of a strong central government, according to the passage?

    <p>It ensures uniform regulations for commerce across states</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the implicit warning to modern-day secessionist movements from The Federalist Papers?

    <p>Strong unions have many benefits and secession has significant costs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

    • The Articles of Confederation did not give the federal government the power to raise taxes, build an army, or regulate commerce.
    • The federal government lacked strength and authority due to its dependence on cooperation among states.
    • There was no federal executive or judiciary, leading to a lack of central authority.

    Federalist and Anti-Federalist Debate

    • Hamilton and Madison were referred to as "Federalists," while their opponents were called "Anti-Federalists."
    • The Anti-Federalists argued that a strong central government would lead to tyranny and opposed the Constitution.
    • Hamilton countered that a weak government would lead to despotism and that a strong central government is essential to the security of liberty.

    Lessons from Ancient Greece

    • The Federalist Papers compared the Articles of Confederation to ancient Greece's federal system, which was weak and led to conflicts among city-states.
    • A strong central government is necessary to prevent conflicts and ensure unity among states.

    Importance of Central Government

    • A strong central government provides benefits such as protection from violence, preservation of property rights, laws of contract, and uniform regulations for commerce.
    • A strong central government prevents dominant states from taking advantage of weaker states.

    Mechanisms for a Stable Republic

    • Hamilton proposed mechanisms to safeguard republics, including separation of government, checks and balances, and popular representation.
    • A large republic is more difficult for a single group to dominate due to the numerous competing interests.

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    Description

    This quiz covers the powers and limitations of the federal government under the Articles of Confederation, including its ability to wage war, conduct diplomacy, and create a postal service, but lack of powers in taxation, commerce, and federal executive or judiciary.

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